As always in winter, not a lot has happen.
I had a dressage lesson with Heidi Scott. First time I have seen her method and style and I like what I see. She is not ARGHHH like some dressage coaches and can see what a horse needs and is gentle. I like gentle. We worked on yielding of the leg and such and over all I was very happy with the lesson. Heck even I got some great pointers for my positioning, with horses learning never stops and bad habit with position creep up.
Straight after the lesson it was the dash to cool Sammy down, wash, dry, pack up and load trailer. Followed by drive home, kick horse out, blanket, turn around and get to the biting clinic. I was only 15 minutes late! which in Equestrian time is either "on time" or "early".
With McDonalds in hand, still in my english riding clothes (I could feel the weird looks) it was in the hotel and straight to the back of the room. This clinic was great. Not only did I learn more about the anatomy of the horses mouth and head but, also about the real action of bits. I really enjoyed learning more. and wish it went for longer.
sadly we STILL have snow and STILL have deep snow. The few warm days help but a week of warmth would be amazing.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
Well, I must say, I have been tardy...
Even with the days getting longer, still there isn't enough time to get everything done. School horses, feed horses, dress horses, home, day job, home... you get my drift.
Major things that come about lately has been beautiful days filled with warm and sunshine and just make getting out of bed and out side so much easier. Lets be honest, if you had the choice -20 or +4 we all know which one you would be going for!
I have been putting some serious time into ground work and refining ques. My "arena" is currently still under about 60cm of snow (I wish it would hurry up and melt and go) so its time to focus on some other aspects of horse training. Now I have Sammy standing in the trailer, relaxed and chill. He has a lump of muscle damage on his left rump from when he had a panic attack in the trailer by himself. After this, he would have a bit of a panic if you loaded him first and he had to wait for someone to hold his hoof. To bring him down to Fernie, I traveled him with a dose of ACE (same amount used in a slightly nervous traveler for air transport) It did not take much of the edge off. Even with a buddy he still wasn't relaxed.
We've done a few trips to the indoor arena, Tim Hortons and Crappy tire. Just building a memory base that the pony limo isn't something to be worried about. The first drive was going to be the most interesting on. You can load and get a horse to standing a trailer that isn't moving but, soon as you put movement into the picture it can send them back to the old memory and actions. So far so good and if he keeps it up, he can have his tim bits and a double double.
I know some of you have been thinking "hmmm March 10th, what to do, what to do" Well I have an answer for you trying to get out of the trip to hardware store.
Hello to all horse owners, riders, lovers ( horse lovers -to clarify )
The Snow Valley Wranglers from Fernie B.C. are excited to be hosting a bits and bitting clinic with Dave Elliott from Elliott Bits and Spurs on Saturday, March 10. It will be held at the Best Western Hotel in Fernie. The clinic will start at 1 p.m. and last 5 to 6 hours (or until all questions are answered) . Cost is $40.00/person.
Dave is a master bit and spur maker who resides near Fort Macleod Alberta. He grew up with horses on a ranch in Saskatchewan, and has participated in a variety of equine events over the years. He has given many workshops across Canada, and we are thrilled to have him here.
The clinic will focus on anatomy, ( primarily of the mouth, skull, neck ), types of bits, how bits function, problems with bits etc. Questions are welcomed.
This clinic is suitable for all disciplines of riding. As seating is limited, please RSVP by March 5 to Colleen Powell ( collie.59@hotmail.com ), or by phone to Deb Kolb (250 423 3925) and leave a message. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Thanks everyone, see you soon,
Deb and Colleen ( for the SVW's)
This is a fantastic clinic, other good reasons to double a trip to Fernie for this clinic is:
A) We have the only Traditional Chocolate-tier in Nth America, in Town
B) A homemade Ice Cream store
C) Artisan BC Cheese store
D) Candy store with candy from yesteryear
Other news, Barb Barbour has handed the reins of East Kootenay BCHC Director to Arlene Ridge.
Arlene has started some awesome programs to get people into riding and expanding their horse knowledge. Welcome aboard Arlene and we all look forward to working with you.
Major things that come about lately has been beautiful days filled with warm and sunshine and just make getting out of bed and out side so much easier. Lets be honest, if you had the choice -20 or +4 we all know which one you would be going for!
I have been putting some serious time into ground work and refining ques. My "arena" is currently still under about 60cm of snow (I wish it would hurry up and melt and go) so its time to focus on some other aspects of horse training. Now I have Sammy standing in the trailer, relaxed and chill. He has a lump of muscle damage on his left rump from when he had a panic attack in the trailer by himself. After this, he would have a bit of a panic if you loaded him first and he had to wait for someone to hold his hoof. To bring him down to Fernie, I traveled him with a dose of ACE (same amount used in a slightly nervous traveler for air transport) It did not take much of the edge off. Even with a buddy he still wasn't relaxed.
We've done a few trips to the indoor arena, Tim Hortons and Crappy tire. Just building a memory base that the pony limo isn't something to be worried about. The first drive was going to be the most interesting on. You can load and get a horse to standing a trailer that isn't moving but, soon as you put movement into the picture it can send them back to the old memory and actions. So far so good and if he keeps it up, he can have his tim bits and a double double.
I know some of you have been thinking "hmmm March 10th, what to do, what to do" Well I have an answer for you trying to get out of the trip to hardware store.
Hello to all horse owners, riders, lovers ( horse lovers -to clarify )
The Snow Valley Wranglers from Fernie B.C. are excited to be hosting a bits and bitting clinic with Dave Elliott from Elliott Bits and Spurs on Saturday, March 10. It will be held at the Best Western Hotel in Fernie. The clinic will start at 1 p.m. and last 5 to 6 hours (or until all questions are answered) . Cost is $40.00/person.
Dave is a master bit and spur maker who resides near Fort Macleod Alberta. He grew up with horses on a ranch in Saskatchewan, and has participated in a variety of equine events over the years. He has given many workshops across Canada, and we are thrilled to have him here.
The clinic will focus on anatomy, ( primarily of the mouth, skull, neck ), types of bits, how bits function, problems with bits etc. Questions are welcomed.
This clinic is suitable for all disciplines of riding. As seating is limited, please RSVP by March 5 to Colleen Powell ( collie.59@hotmail.com ), or by phone to Deb Kolb (250 423 3925) and leave a message. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Thanks everyone, see you soon,
Deb and Colleen ( for the SVW's)
This is a fantastic clinic, other good reasons to double a trip to Fernie for this clinic is:
A) We have the only Traditional Chocolate-tier in Nth America, in Town
B) A homemade Ice Cream store
C) Artisan BC Cheese store
D) Candy store with candy from yesteryear
Other news, Barb Barbour has handed the reins of East Kootenay BCHC Director to Arlene Ridge.
Arlene has started some awesome programs to get people into riding and expanding their horse knowledge. Welcome aboard Arlene and we all look forward to working with you.
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Equine Behavoir and Avalanches
What a day! 41 people attended the first ever Dr Andrew McLean clinic in Fernie.
Fernie isn't really known as a horsey area and everyone was blown away with how many people showed up to learn more about horses. We were very lucky to have Andrew out this way, yes it would have been better if it was summer but, when the chance to get someone like this out is rare, regardless of time of year, you jump on it.
The crowd was a good mix, young kids pulled out of school for the day for a science lesson not seen in the class room. Barrel racers, reiners, dressage riders, show jumpers, ropers and heavy horse drivers all at the same clinic. How often do you see a mix like that? Young, Old and middle aged all to learn more about the horse mentally. I was lucky enough to have some great demonstrations with the edge of excitement. Part way though the demonstration of a couple of horses, the roof of the arena Avalanched. What a better way on showing how to reduce fear in a horse and introduce habituation of the noise. The draft horse with farrier kicking issues was the first to go and the first to have her nerves tested. The roof avalanched for a good 20 seconds.
Second horse was the ever so cute Icelandic Pony with fear issues, lucky for this pony the gods where on his side and no loud noise came from the roof. Number three was a young filly un broken and ended up being the one that showed the most learning experience. The roof again avalanched freaking the poor little girl out. I seriously could not have hoped for a better handler then Andrew at the end of the lead. Towards the end of the avalanching the horse was not as scared as before.
The first horse under saddle was my guy. Cat Herder. being his first time in an indoor arena and a crowd he put on quite the show. Andrew gave me some great tools to use to bring him back to earth, calm and relaxed. This will come in handy when he go's to his first show this spring. Under saddle number two was Karena horse with some issues with spooking and shoulder in, again Karena went home with a new set tools and I look forward to see them in action this spring and summer.
All in all I think it was a great success. To everyone that thanked me for organizing the clinic, it was my pleasure. I am so happy that so many people came out and enjoyed it. So many people have emailed me and ask me last night (before the clinic was even over) when will Andrew being coming out again. Rest assured that when Andrew comes out to Canada again, I will be organizing another clinic. From the reviews he received at the Equine Education Conference, I'm sure we won't be waiting too long.
Thank once again to everyone that came out and a HUGE thank you to Jen at Trit Trot Farms for such a great arena and class room.
Now back to reality, working on those quirks and counting the sleeps to the next clinic.
Fernie isn't really known as a horsey area and everyone was blown away with how many people showed up to learn more about horses. We were very lucky to have Andrew out this way, yes it would have been better if it was summer but, when the chance to get someone like this out is rare, regardless of time of year, you jump on it.
The crowd was a good mix, young kids pulled out of school for the day for a science lesson not seen in the class room. Barrel racers, reiners, dressage riders, show jumpers, ropers and heavy horse drivers all at the same clinic. How often do you see a mix like that? Young, Old and middle aged all to learn more about the horse mentally. I was lucky enough to have some great demonstrations with the edge of excitement. Part way though the demonstration of a couple of horses, the roof of the arena Avalanched. What a better way on showing how to reduce fear in a horse and introduce habituation of the noise. The draft horse with farrier kicking issues was the first to go and the first to have her nerves tested. The roof avalanched for a good 20 seconds.
Second horse was the ever so cute Icelandic Pony with fear issues, lucky for this pony the gods where on his side and no loud noise came from the roof. Number three was a young filly un broken and ended up being the one that showed the most learning experience. The roof again avalanched freaking the poor little girl out. I seriously could not have hoped for a better handler then Andrew at the end of the lead. Towards the end of the avalanching the horse was not as scared as before.
The first horse under saddle was my guy. Cat Herder. being his first time in an indoor arena and a crowd he put on quite the show. Andrew gave me some great tools to use to bring him back to earth, calm and relaxed. This will come in handy when he go's to his first show this spring. Under saddle number two was Karena horse with some issues with spooking and shoulder in, again Karena went home with a new set tools and I look forward to see them in action this spring and summer.
All in all I think it was a great success. To everyone that thanked me for organizing the clinic, it was my pleasure. I am so happy that so many people came out and enjoyed it. So many people have emailed me and ask me last night (before the clinic was even over) when will Andrew being coming out again. Rest assured that when Andrew comes out to Canada again, I will be organizing another clinic. From the reviews he received at the Equine Education Conference, I'm sure we won't be waiting too long.
Thank once again to everyone that came out and a HUGE thank you to Jen at Trit Trot Farms for such a great arena and class room.
Now back to reality, working on those quirks and counting the sleeps to the next clinic.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Transitions
Humans, horses, dogs we experience life at different paces but we all have transitions of some form with different levels of anxiety.
This past week has been full of them for both the Horse and I.
His past is starting to fade a bit, the fears that were once oh so clear in his mind are now taking a back seat and the level of improvement is fantastic. When we started his walk was horrible, short stepping, he wasn't tracking up and just plain meh. Now it's a beautiful four beat, you can feel him tracking up and ready for the next cue. His trot, once again was more or a short jog and nothing special, wasn't using his muscles to carry himself that well and then come to the canter. We're not blindly taking off with little to no steering or brakes. He still wants to rush into it but when you have him and carrying himself and you ask for a canter you can feel the penny drop. If you let him rush then the old habits start to reappear. With his time with me he has learnt that a) you don't get beatings around here for being scared b) if you make a mistake, no biggie we just go back and try again and c) Biscotti is the best damn tasting thing know to this horse, better then peppermints.
For first time in his life, he was clipped this week. A nice stylish blanket clip. With the work load he has been doing, this was needed. For a horse that had shown quite a lot of reserve to new and strange things, he blew my mind away. He stood there like this is what happens all the time. As the clippers got closer to his head I was starting think maybe we might have an issue. Nope stood there munched on my failed Christmas Biscotti with out a care in the world. Around the ears, nothing. Another first for him was a neck blanket. He had a think about it and figured that regardless of what his reaction was, he'd be wearing it. The first time I blanketed him you could see him thinking "is there trolls in there? is it going to eat me? I'm sure it might kill me". Now when it's nice and I let him run around naked, when I come back to put his PJ's on, when I pick up the blanket, he talks to me. Now in his mind blankets = awesome toasty warm.
This week has also seen the start of me now being a business. Cambridge Park Training Services. For me this scary due to the unknown. I have to start from the ground and work up again, I don't have the built reputation like I had in Australia. I can't just send out an email saying "hey, I've gone out on my own, this is my rate" and know that I will have at least 5 horses a month to work. So for now, the day job stays. The one thing I hope will set me apart from other Trainers that focus on starting young horses under saddle and re-training those with behavior issues is that I guarantee my work.
Things have also been ramped up for the Dr Andrew McLean Clinic. If you are still procrastinating I have 2 spots let to audit and 4 spots left for lessons. If you wait too long, you will miss out. As always, if you have any questions about the clinic please feel free to contact me and I'm more then happy to help.
I'm going to share a comment that made my day this week. I'm still smiling about it :D
"Sammy is a good looking horse, but due to size I didn't think he would move that well, more of a plod, but when we watch you ride him in the field, MAN he can really move. I didn't think a heavy horse could move like that!"
This past week has been full of them for both the Horse and I.
His past is starting to fade a bit, the fears that were once oh so clear in his mind are now taking a back seat and the level of improvement is fantastic. When we started his walk was horrible, short stepping, he wasn't tracking up and just plain meh. Now it's a beautiful four beat, you can feel him tracking up and ready for the next cue. His trot, once again was more or a short jog and nothing special, wasn't using his muscles to carry himself that well and then come to the canter. We're not blindly taking off with little to no steering or brakes. He still wants to rush into it but when you have him and carrying himself and you ask for a canter you can feel the penny drop. If you let him rush then the old habits start to reappear. With his time with me he has learnt that a) you don't get beatings around here for being scared b) if you make a mistake, no biggie we just go back and try again and c) Biscotti is the best damn tasting thing know to this horse, better then peppermints.
For first time in his life, he was clipped this week. A nice stylish blanket clip. With the work load he has been doing, this was needed. For a horse that had shown quite a lot of reserve to new and strange things, he blew my mind away. He stood there like this is what happens all the time. As the clippers got closer to his head I was starting think maybe we might have an issue. Nope stood there munched on my failed Christmas Biscotti with out a care in the world. Around the ears, nothing. Another first for him was a neck blanket. He had a think about it and figured that regardless of what his reaction was, he'd be wearing it. The first time I blanketed him you could see him thinking "is there trolls in there? is it going to eat me? I'm sure it might kill me". Now when it's nice and I let him run around naked, when I come back to put his PJ's on, when I pick up the blanket, he talks to me. Now in his mind blankets = awesome toasty warm.
This week has also seen the start of me now being a business. Cambridge Park Training Services. For me this scary due to the unknown. I have to start from the ground and work up again, I don't have the built reputation like I had in Australia. I can't just send out an email saying "hey, I've gone out on my own, this is my rate" and know that I will have at least 5 horses a month to work. So for now, the day job stays. The one thing I hope will set me apart from other Trainers that focus on starting young horses under saddle and re-training those with behavior issues is that I guarantee my work.
Things have also been ramped up for the Dr Andrew McLean Clinic. If you are still procrastinating I have 2 spots let to audit and 4 spots left for lessons. If you wait too long, you will miss out. As always, if you have any questions about the clinic please feel free to contact me and I'm more then happy to help.
I'm going to share a comment that made my day this week. I'm still smiling about it :D
"Sammy is a good looking horse, but due to size I didn't think he would move that well, more of a plod, but when we watch you ride him in the field, MAN he can really move. I didn't think a heavy horse could move like that!"
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